Sarokeys BCP vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch, is ideal for those who require a quieter typing experience with its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the BCP's iconic clacky sound and the Silent Ink Black's muted typing, it is important to delve deeper into their specific features to determine which one best suits your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches offer different sound profiles, they both showcase the importance of the top housing material in determining the overall sound of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches share a nylon material for the BCP and a proprietary INK blend for the Silent Ink Black. The nylon bottom housing in the BCP contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing effects. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing in the Silent Ink Black also produces a high-pitched sound profile that complements the top housing's characteristics. Despite the differences in sound, both switches demonstrate how the bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch performance, it becomes apparent that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the BCP and the Silent Ink Black switches have different housing materials, they both showcase how the combination of top and bottom housing can create a distinctive sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the BCP is the lighter option with an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The BCP provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, such as in office settings or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a medium-heavy feel, perfect for users who require a more substantial push for a tactile typing experience. Both switches offer distinct levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing intensity. Overall, users can expect similar results in typing performance, whether they opt for the lighter BCP switch or the heavier Silent Ink Black switch, depending on their personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the BCP has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The shorter travel distance of the BCP may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is known for its clacky and poppy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound, perfect for environments where quieter typing is preferred. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy typing experience. With a viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, typing on these switches feels lively and smooth, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches deliver a comfortable typing feel but with slightly different tactile profiles, catering to varying preferences in typing feedback.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP switch provides a clacky sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and silky, polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for typing sound and feel, as well as your specific typing environment, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sarokeys BCP or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and clacky typing sensation with a medium-light bottom out force, then the BCP switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth and polished typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, especially in a quieter work environment, the Silent Ink Black switch would be your best choice. Consider factors like sound, feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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